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RSS Feed General News15. 02. 13. - 15:00
A new house for polar bears in Schönbrunn
There is currently only a model for the new "polar bear world": there will be a landscape similar to nature, deep diving pools and an area for mothers and their cubs.
The so-called "Franz Josef Land" is supposed to open in May 2014. Outside, the facility will be almost three times as big as the old one (1,700 squaremetres).
"We offer the animals different kinds of soil such as meadow, rock and stones, but also streams and waterfalls", said the director of the zoo Dagmar Schratter. "Different levels of pools will be made in order to attract bears to swim and dive. Visitors will be able to observe them under water."
The facilities can be separated so that mother and cub will have their own large area and the depth of the water can be adapted to the development of the cub.
Building works are going according to plan: there are technical rooms with filter machines for water purification, the shell of the food kitchen and interior rooms to which polar bears can retreat.
The next step will be a tunnel for visitors that will guide them to the "polardome". This centre will inform them about habitats and animals from the Arctic and Antarcic. Visitors will also be able to learn about climate change and sustainability.
The Association of Friends of the zoo and Polar Bears International have a joint project for the protection of species that will be presented in the "polardome". Polar bears have become a symbol for species that have become endangered through climate change.
The zoo is looking for donations and sponsors. Further information can be found under http://franz-josef-land.zoovienna.at/.
Vienna Times
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sustainability kitchen habitats polardome tunnel Visitors polar climate bears Arctic Polar Bears pools retreat water food shell species animals Antarcic
Long Night of the Churches
Hundreds of churches Austria-wide to open their doors for the "Long Night of the Churches" (original: "Langen Nacht der Kirchen") on May, 24.
Cheapskate Tourist Almost Died In Sewer Visit
A German tourist had a lucky escape after he decided to go underground to get a view of the Vienna sewers, and fell badly breaking several bones including his hip and his leg.
Preparation for Life Ball begins
The preparations of the Life Ball in Vienna are at full blast after delays due to bad weather last weekend. Star guests like Eva Longoria and Carmen Electra are expected at Vienna Airport on Friday.
Woman killed by Vienna tram
A female pedestrian tried to cross a street in Vienna Hietzing yesterday afternoon (Tues) without paying attention to the traffic. She was hit by the tram number 60 and died at the scene.
15 minutes free parking instead of 10
The 15-minute parking ticket will replace the 10-minute parking ticket in autumn. The only alternative is to buy your parking ticket with your phone. A parking clock does not protect you from a fine.
Lightning storm causes damage in Lower Austria
810 lightning strikes have been counted in Lower Austria last night (Tues). Meteorologists state that this is not an extraordinary number but some lightning strikes resulted in fires. The fire brigade had to set out in several towns.
Spanish Riding School for everyone
The riding centre of Heldenberg, district of Hollabrunn (Lower Austria) is now offering exclusive courses: professional riders of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna teach interested riders.
Vienna advocates a ban on pesticides
Vienna has now joined those Austrian states that advocate a cooperative strategy for a ban of the neonicotinoids pesticides. Apparently, there are tested alternatives for the pesticides that are harmful for bees.
Huge debate over multilingualism in Austria
Possible projects for a "multilingual oriented educational concept" have led to a debate in Vienna. The SPÖ, ÖVP and FPÖ are currently discussing the two sides of the issue: "multilingualism as a chance" and "German as a priority".
Exhibition Drawing Against Oblivion
The Leopold Museum in Vienna opened the the exhibition "Drawing against oblivion" on 17 May. Manfred Bockelmann drew more than 60 portraits of children and teenagers, who were victims of the Nazi terror.
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